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Let’s Whip Our Summer Into Shape!

For those of us that have children in the house it means school is out. That is a whole other subject altogether. Although I will say that may fall into the category of crazy, IYKWIM.

For those of us who fall into the other category, meaning, for whatever reason, there are no children to disrupt our daily activity, we have our own challenges. Not to take away from those parents who pull double duty mind you. We all have immense respect for you. Been there, done that. And may the force be with you.
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Yet, it was brought to my attention the other day that summertime may cause a lazy haze to creep into our daily routine much like a fog bank makes its way onto shore. One minute we’re enjoying the warmth of the sun and then a climatic change threatens to rearrange our good intentions and before you know it, we can’t make our way through the all the minutiae.

But do we give ourselves the time to appreciate life’s little pleasures? Most of us have trained ourselves to be self-disciplined people. And as such, we make lists and schedules that do not allow us to take a break from our normal routine. I would venture to say that few of us ever accomplish what we set out to do on any particular day. Which keeps us in this vicious cycle of frustration and exhaustion knowing full well it is virtually impossible to get everything done.

So what to do?

Take a small break.

No, I’m not talking about cleaning a toilet, or fixing a meal, or doing a load of laundry, or catching up on all your emails. Over the years, I have found that for some reason, those things will still be there for you to do later. It’s called job security.

No, what I am proposing is to take a little break. For some of us, we may have a vacation planned on some exotic Island for all I know. Yet, what I’m suggesting does not require that drastic of a measure. Here’s what I propose:

Get out of the house!

Yes, get out!

Go for a walk and breathe in some fresh air. It can be around the block. Or at a beautiful park. Or at the ocean, that is, if you live near an ocean. As you can tell by the picture above, that is one of my personal favs. Even if you are living under a deluge of precipitation that measures in seismic proportions, go to a mall or some other indoor arena available to you and walk.

I know some of you are working out. You may be doing potty squats with Ginger Calem. Or Crossfit like Jenny Hansen. But that’s not what I’m talking about. We need to get out of our normal routine and change the scenery.

And the best part— it doesn’t cost us anything.

Well, maybe our time, which I know is a precious commodity. But you will not believe how stimulating it can be. It helps to clean out the cobwebs in our brain.

Have you had writer’s block lately? Has a figurative “fog bank” rolled in across the page?

Then take a walk.

And you will be surprised how fast you’ll Whip your WIP this Summer into shape!

So what do you think? Have any special plans for this summer? Do you like to exercise? Do you have a hard time allowing yourself to take the personal time needed to regain your creativity? What things do you like to do to help stimulate your mind and keep your sanity?

Thanks everyone for stopping by and for all your amazing comments!
Karen

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40 thoughts on “Let’s Whip Our Summer Into Shape!”

No kidding, it’s a viscious cycle. Never come close to doing everything I plan to each day. I did make some headway unpacking more boxes Sunday. Yeah, remember how we moved a year and a half ago? That tells you how crazy my life is. Felt so good to make progress with the unpacking. Still much to do, though. I love that pic of Huntington Beach, Karen! It’s so nice that you live so close. Glad you’re making great progress with your WIP!Lynn Kelley recently posted..Grammy Heaven – Parenting Plights & Delights

Hey Lynn! Yes, it is a vicious cycle. There aren’t enough hours in the day. And you with the new grandbabies. Congrats grandma! So you’ve unboxed more stuff. Way to go Lynn! Hey, when you have time and you want to get out of the heat, HB is always here. It just happened to be one of those gorgeous days. Had to share the pic. Oh, and I wanted to thank you for being such a great support in Wana113. Little by little, things are picking up in that class. Between you and I Lynn, we’ll get those guys going over there. Actually, they’re doing pretty great right now. Thanks for coming to say hi my friend! Take care! 🙂

With all the nice weather here in Seattle I’ve been out in my garden; transplanting, dividing, and of course…weeding! Love the picture, Karen. A link to my old home, even made me a little homesick. Great blog!Serena Dracis recently posted..Wild Wednesday – A Short Break

Serena! So glad to see you girl! How have you been? Nice to hear that you’re experiencing good weather. I bet your garden looks awesome girl. I’m sorry to have made you feel homesick. That was not my intention. But the old homestead is still here. Say, you know there is another march July 4th? And did you hear about the over tens of millions of bees that died in Florida? There is no almond butter for sale at Trader Joes. Now I wonder why that is Serena? Sorry to be Debbie Downer. I just worry. I must need to take a walk. lol. Thank you for coming by to see me. 🙂

Hi Eden! Rain huh? Well once it lets up, I hope you can squeeze a little time out for the outdoors and even a short walk. There’s just something about getting outside and the stimulation the surroundings. It really can help to drive our creativity Eden. Isn’t it interesting how just this simple act can do so much for us. We’re all just so busy most of the time to really appreciate it. And I’m just as guilty as the next person. So my hope for you is for a little sunshine to come in your direction. Enjoy Eden! 🙂

I need to do research at an archive near Santa Barbara and decided I wasn’t drive two hours in Los Angeles rush hour traffic Monday morning, so I booked myself into a little hotel on the beach nearby the night before. Plan to drive up late afternoon Sunday and enjoy! Can’t tell you how long it’s been…

Aw Debra, yes, we are at an age where I think we long for some enjoyment from all our hard labor, yes? You work very hard and do a fabulous job balancing the writing with it. I always enjoy your posts! I hope you have a great time in Santa Barbara Debra. And that you make the time for the simple pleasures and take a walk along the beach, perhaps with your hubby. Have a nice trip Debra! 🙂

My plans have me invested in schoolwork this summer. It’s keeping me really busy and makes it easy to forget that it’s good to take a small break now and then, so one of these days I just might take your advice and go out for a short walk 🙂Mike Schulenberg recently posted..The Very Inspiring Blogger Award of the Zombie Apocalypse

Hey there Mike! Wow, you’ve been so busy with school for most of the year. And taking pretty heavy classes dude. Sounds like more of the same for the summer too. I guess you’re busy. What classes are you taking now? More math? (My favorite subject as you know. lol.) And what profession are you taking this schooling for Mike? How have you found this has affected your writing? Are you able to write much? Yes, it would be my suggestion to take small breaks every now and then and take a short walk. Got to keep that mental circulation moving! 🙂

Actually, I’m not taking any math at all this summer, but I’ll be back with that in the fall. I need a total of 16 hours of natural sciences to get the Associate degree I’m currently working on, so I’m currently taking Biology II For Science Majors–and wow, does it cover a lot of material at a brisk pace.

Hi Mike! What, no math? Say it isn’t so! Ohhhhh. You traded one brain-burner subject for another I see. Biology. No, Biology II. How fun! Yeah. I can imagine how much time this has taken away from your love of writing Mike. No doubt you are not putting yourself through the rigors of these type of classes for non. I wish you nothing but the best dude! But do try to give your brain a rest some time during the summer season. Really, it’s okay. Just think. Oh wait, don’t think. That’s the point. Give your brain a break! After Biology II of course. You know I would never want to interrupt your studies Mike. *wink* lol. (P.S. Sorry for the delay of my response to your comment. My life kinda blew up lately.) 🙂

Excellent advice! I try to do that a few times a day. Just to clear the cobwebs, but the dogs are super happy that I’ll hang out with them throwing balls for them to fetch. The only downside? I’ve noticed how much work my garden needs. 😛Tameri Etherton recently posted..Ho Hey Cluckin’ Fun! Plus, a Witchy Quick Giggle

That’s right. I forgot, you live in the Carlsbad area. Do they have a doggie beach Tameri? I know HB does. I bet your dogs love the water. You know I sometimes think we take it for granted how good we have it here along the coast. In other areas, writers may not wonder out of the house. It’s good to get out and move. Stimulate those creative juices. So tell me how was the RWA meeting? See anyone I know? What does one do at the RWA meeting Tameri? And what is up with your garden? Are you growing flowers or food like Jenny Hansen? 🙂

Are you kidding? I’m like a dog: I NEED to be walked. Or run. Or something. Daily. Without this chance to move, think, talk to myself, and soak up beauty, I would become…well, let’s just say it’s best if we don’t find out.

Hi Gretchen! How are you? And how’s the blogging going for you thus far? You seem to be doing alright. I enjoy your posts anyway. LOL, “I’m like a dog.” Ha, ha, ha! You crack me up with that comment girl! But isn’t it true. We need to move around. As writers we sit all day long, if we’re so fortunate to do that. But we sit and don’t move. And I think that can make us stagnant. So glad you enjoy soaking up the beauty of the outdoors and clearing the mind. Thanks for stopping by Gretchen and have a great week! See ya in class! 🙂

Hey there Julie! How are you girl? Ooh, you live near Houston. My cousin lives down there. Muuugggyyy! Yeah, I hear ya. Well, that is why I recommend the Mall. Hey, it’s indoors and it’s air conditioned. And it’s free air conditioning! That’s important you know. LOL! I lived for 19 years in Phoenix. I know about heat. And don’t buy this “but it’s dry” there comment either. They get major thunderstorms during the monsoon season over the summer. Sticky! So try indoors girly. In the meantime, I’ll send you some pics of the beach! Thanks for coming by and have a great week Julie! 🙂

Have you been stalking me? How’d you know that I don’t take down time very often. A walk? What a concept! LOL. I keep saying I’m going to do just that . . . Your post may be the push I need to actually do it. 🙂Lynette M. Burrows recently posted..Going to Mars Word-by-Word: the Landis Way

LOL! Moi? Stalking? Ha, ha, ha! Now Lynette. Yes, that was the purpose of my post. I am as guilty as the next guy or girl. But hubby is dragging me with him. He has to walk as part of his therapy. And it turns out I am a social walker. Who knew? But the point is, Get Out Of The House Lynette! Change the scenery and get some fresh air, if there is fresh air. lol. We need the break in-between girl. If we don’t take it, we could be sorry down the road. And it does affect our creativity. So let me know how the walking goes. I’m holding you accountable. Lynette! I’ll be stalking you! 🙂

Aw. Your DH sounds amazing Sheila! Looking after his honey like that. You have a date everyday. And now the ducks are included! Yes, I would agree. When you put it like that Sheila, your life sounds very nice. Take care! It was great to see you! Have a great week! Oh, and do let us know about the baby duckies! 🙂

I live right next to a river and there is a nice levy path to walk or run on. It’s very peaceful and restores my spirit and my creativity. Need a little boost to both about now, so maybe after work tonight 🙂Suzanne Vince recently posted..I’m a Noble Warrior, I’ve Got This

Hi Suzanne! Well that sounds great girl! There is something restorative about being around water. Yes, it is peaceful. I hope that you got that boost after work today. Thanks so much for stopping by for a visit! See ya in class! 🙂

Most weeks I don’t get out of the house until the weekend. 🙂 I crawl into my work cave on Monday and often stay there all week coming out to exercise and eat–but still in the house. I know I need more balance–probably why I’m having problems with insomnia. But I do look forward to going to parks and festivals on the weekend!Coleen Patrick recently posted..Busting a Wallow and Spinning the Wheel of Kindness

Oh Coleen, I am so sorry to hear about your insomia girl. I know so many people who are suffering from that, including me. I have the hardest time falling asleep. And then when you finally do, you need to wake up. And then your behind and can never catch up. I have noticed from your awesome blog posts that you do get out quite a bit on the weekend. But do try to go for a walk during the day to break things up. I know it may sound funny, but it might just help you sleep better at night. And your weather should be improving. Just get out of the house Coleen! LOL! {{Hugs!}} 🙁

I have to remind myself of that when I’m at work. Most days I’ll eat lunch at my desk. What I need to do is go some place else. I forget to get out of the office sometimes. That’s why going home is soooooooo nice.

Thanks for the reminders. I will try to get out a little more even if it’s 110 degrees outside.

Hi Patricia! How’s it going girl? Ooh, 110 huh? I know all about that. I spent 19 years in Phoenix Patricia. I swore I’d never move there and look what happened. Never say never is now my motto! Now get your writersbutt out of the office my friend. Ginger is gonna come after you and you don’t want that. lol. Just think how much writing you’ll get done. The possiblities seem endless! Go for it! 🙂

Hey there Marianna! As a teacher, I bet you looked forward to summer. Aha! You live in the Big Apple! See, a walk just does something to clear our head. Best wishes on your writing and thanks so much for visiting today! And your support! 🙂

Why thank you very much Rhonda! Great to see you girl! So you loved the “job security” comment, eh? Well, all I can say is that when I leave it behind and then come home after a nice walk, it’s still there. No fairy showed up and cleaned, or did any of the other numerous jobs that needed my attention. So yeah, job security. But I think all of us can get into a rut very easily Rhonda. That’s why I said, “Get Out of the House! Yet, that’s easlier said than done. Although you live in Texas don’t you. Watch out for those Tornadoes girlfriend. We don’t want to lose you or Toto! Take care Rhonda and thanks for stopping by! 🙂

Hi Diane! Great to see you girl! Have you flown north yet for the summer little bird? I would imagine that your part of the country would be a wonderful place for a walk, so I’m writing you a prescription for you to use as soon as possible! Take care Diane! 🙂

Hey there Jennette! I know that it can get a little muggy around your neck of the woods during the summertime. So I can appreciate that a treadmill would come in handy. It is a great form of exercise. But nothing beats nature and the outdoors! LOL, “I need to get out more.” Don’t we all Jennette! I hope you enjoy the rest of your week! Take care! 🙂